Meet the Cambridge MBA Class of 2025

The students come from a wide range of backgrounds, from veterans to consultants, entrepreneurs to scientists. We spoke with several of them about their career goals, motivations and what they hope to achieve during the year.

Joshua Hodge (USA)

Joshua Hodge joins the MBA as the recipient of the Cambridge Military Scholarship. He served as a Manpower and Legal Officer in the United States Marine Corps and now plans to transfer his leadership experience to the business world. 

Raised in North Carolina by a single mother of 8, Joshua says his early years gave him resilience and determination. “The Cambridge MBA resonates with my belief in servant leadership, but with a global perspective. I want to apply my experiences internationally.” 

Among his proudest achievements is serving as administrative and legal officer for more than 1,000 Marines and their families. At Cambridge, he is eager to learn from his peers as well as from the curriculum. 

Daniel Meza (Guatemala)

Entrepreneur Daniel Meza brings experience as co-founder of Networks Ventures, a company that grew across technology, media and talent. He successfully led the business through an acquisition by a public company and now seeks to build on that success. 

Daniel was drawn to Cambridge for its reputation and the engagement of faculty during the admissions process. “It became clear that Cambridge understands its role as both enabler and educator. They succeed when we succeed.” 

He views the MBA as a chance to refine his ideas and grow his network. “I hope to gain lifelong friends, professors who challenge my beliefs and collaborators who encourage me to think bigger.” 

Damilola Opayinka (Nigeria)

Corporate lawyer Damilola Opayinka joins the MBA as a Scholarship for Global Impact recipient. He has advised on major capital markets transactions, including Citigroup’s co-ordination of the first Nigerian financial institution listed on the London Stock Exchange. 

He now seeks to bridge her legal experience with strategy and management. “The Cambridge MBA curriculum, with its mix of core courses, electives and projects, was the deciding factor. The international cohort also brings perspectives I am keen to learn from.” 

For Damilola, Cambridge is both a foundation and a launchpad. “It is a place where I can challenge myself, broaden my outlook and connect with talented people from across the globe. 

Zolzaya Chultembat (Mongolia)

From Mongolia, Zolzaya Chultembat joins the MBA after leading Japan Partnerships at what3words, where she worked with companies such as Subaru and Mitsubishi. 

She chose Cambridge for its emphasis on practical learning. “The MBA’s consulting and venture projects allow real-world growth, not only theoretical knowledge. The diversity of the cohort also creates an environment where new perspectives drive effective solutions.” 

Relocating from Mongolia to London to expand international markets stands out as her proudest milestone. She now aims to broaden her business knowledge and later contribute to Mongolia’s growing technology sector. 

Nagham Bou Daher (Lebanon)

Dean’s Scholar Nagham Bou Daher is an industrial engineer and consultant with a commitment to social impact. She has worked on strategies to make housing more affordable in the Middle East and promotes women’s inclusion in underrepresented fields. 

She is especially proud of her work with AllGirlsCode, an award-winning initiative that encourages young women in Lebanon to study STEM subjects. “It combined my values of education, empowerment and equity and remains one of my most rewarding experiences.” 

Nagham chose Cambridge for its Sustainable Business concentration. “It gives me the platform to deepen my interest in impact, surrounded by a global community that values purpose and collaboration.” 

Yuyu Chen (Taiwan)

Yuyu Chen joins the MBA from a career in medical biotechnology and clinical research at Eli Lilly. She managed global drug trials and led AI-driven process improvements. 

Her proudest career moment was leading the FDA inspection for Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro obesity trial, which is now a flagship product. “The inspection passed with no major findings. It taught me what it takes to lead under pressure and align diverse teams.” 

For Yuyu, Cambridge offers both challenge and opportunity.

“It pushes me beyond my comfort zone but also connects science, business and entrepreneurship in ways I have not experienced before.” 

Looking ahead

The Cambridge MBA Class of 2025 is more than a group of talented professionals. It is a community united by curiosity, ambition and the desire to make an impact. From veterans to entrepreneurs, consultants to scientists, this cohort will shape the year ahead and carry the Cambridge spirit into their future careers.